BOMET, Kenya – Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok was arrested Thursday morning by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged embezzlement of county funds.
EACC officials confirmed the arrest, stating that they had also conducted a raid at the governor’s residence in connection with the case.
The investigation, which centers on suspected conflicts of interest and theft of public funds in Bomet County, has raised concerns over financial mismanagement within the local government.
Barchok’s arrest follows earlier calls for scrutiny, including a November 2024 request by Bomet lawmakers for the EACC to look into the governor’s financial dealings.
EACC arrests Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok over alleged theft of public funds and conflict of interest; to record a statement, spokesperson Ngumbi confirms.
The commission is currently probing several senior county officials, including members of the County Executive Committee (CECs) and chief officers, over allegations that they misappropriated Sh1.5 billion.
These funds were allegedly diverted through fraudulent payments to companies linked to unnamed county officials.
After processing, Governor Barchok is set to be transported to the EACC South Rift Regional Offices in Nakuru for further questioning and statement recording.
The case is part of the commission’s broader efforts to combat corruption in Kenya’s county governments.
